https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250127/nigerias-fm-defends-president-tinubus-frequent-foreign-trips-highlights-economic-benefits-1070375025.html
Nigeria’s FM Defends President Tinubu’s Frequent Foreign Trips, Highlights Economic Benefits
Nigeria’s FM Defends President Tinubu’s Frequent Foreign Trips, Highlights Economic Benefits
Sputnik Africa
Since his inauguration in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on 32 foreign trips to 19 countries, sparking debates among Nigerians about the cost and... 27.01.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-01-27T17:33+0100
2025-01-27T17:33+0100
2025-01-27T18:21+0100
sub-saharan africa
bola tinubu
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Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has come to the defense of President Bola Tinubu’s frequent international travels, stating that such trips are crucial for strengthening diplomatic ties and securing economic investments for the country.Tuggar argued that the benefits far outweigh the expenses, citing a $2 billion investment secured during Tinubu’s visit to Brazil as an example of the tangible outcomes of these engagements.The minister emphasized that Nigeria stands to gain significantly from Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in attracting foreign investments and fostering international partnerships. He also dismissed concerns about the cost of the trips, stating that Nigeria has the resources to fund them.Tuggar went further to suggest that Nigeria should increase its international engagements, stating, “In fact, I would venture to say we are not traveling enough. We should do more.”In October 2023, William Ruto, the President of Kenya, faced criticism for his frequent international travel, similar to the scrutiny Tinubu received. Reports from local media suggested that since taking office in 2022, Ruto had outpaced all previous presidents with his extensive travel, undertaking 38 trips and visiting 45 cities over 83 days.Despite the criticism, Ruto justified his travels by stating that their primary purpose was to boost the country's economic prospects, echoing a defense similar to that used by Tuggar for Tinubu.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20231030/around-the-world-in-one-term-kenyas-ruto-explains-his-frequent-foreign-visits-1063192124.html
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bola tinubu, nigeria, west africa, william ruto, kenya, east africa, travelling, president, economy
Nigeria’s FM Defends President Tinubu’s Frequent Foreign Trips, Highlights Economic Benefits
17:33 27.01.2025 (Updated: 18:21 27.01.2025) Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Since his inauguration in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on 32 foreign trips to 19 countries, sparking debates among Nigerians about the cost and necessity of such travels.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Yusuf Tuggar, has come to the defense of President Bola Tinubu’s frequent international travels, stating that such trips are crucial for strengthening diplomatic ties and securing economic investments for the country.
Tuggar
argued that the benefits far outweigh the expenses, citing a
$2 billion investment secured during Tinubu’s visit to Brazil as an example of the tangible outcomes of these engagements.
“It is not a fair assessment,” Tuggar said. “The administration is still new because the president was sworn in in 2023. In global terms, he is still a new president. He needs to interact with his colleagues and fellow heads of state to be able to establish relationships.”
The minister emphasized that Nigeria stands to gain significantly from Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in attracting foreign investments and fostering international partnerships. He also dismissed concerns about the cost of the trips, stating that Nigeria has the
resources to fund them.
“Nigeria has the money. How much does traveling cost compared to the benefits? How much have we wasted on fuel, electricity, and other subsidies?” Tuggar questioned.
Tuggar went further to suggest that Nigeria should increase its international engagements, stating, “In fact, I would venture to say we are not traveling enough. We should do more.”
In October 2023,
William Ruto, the President of Kenya, faced criticism for his frequent international travel, similar to the scrutiny Tinubu received. Reports from local media suggested that since taking office in 2022, Ruto had outpaced all previous presidents with his extensive travel, undertaking 38 trips and visiting 45 cities over 83 days.
Despite the criticism, Ruto justified his travels by stating that their primary purpose was to boost the country's economic prospects, echoing a defense similar to that used by Tuggar for Tinubu.
